Cova de les Salines

Cova de les Salines is a small cave near Maçanet de Cabrenys, a Catalan municipality in the province of Girona, close to the French border. It sits along the path leading up to the Mare de Déu de les Salines sanctuary, just a short walk from the Font de la Cova spring, and its main draw is the legend attached to it rather than sheer scale.

What is this place, and why do visitors come here?

The cave itself is modest — a shallow rock recess with a small altar rather than a cavern system to explore with headlamps. Its significance comes entirely from the story tied to it. According to local tradition, an image of the Virgin Mary was found inside this cave, discovered by a bull belonging to the Roure farmhouse. That discovery is said to be the direct reason a sanctuary dedicated to Our Lady of Salines was later built nearby. For most visitors, stopping at the cave is a natural part of the walk to or from the sanctuary itself, not a separate destination.

How does the cave connect to the Mare de Déu de les Salines sanctuary?

Marian devotion at this site has documented roots going back to 1271, when the Bishop of Girona granted permission to build a chapel at the place known as "les Salines," citing numerous miracles reported there. The cave lies on the approach path to the sanctuary, roughly a hundred metres from the main religious building. For pilgrims and travelers alike, the short walk between the two feels like a single narrative arc: first the site where the legend began, then the place of worship that grew out of it.

What else is worth seeing nearby?

Close to both the cave and the sanctuary is the Font de la Cova spring, long used as a natural landmark along the trail. The surroundings are typical of the Pyrenean foothills near the Catalan-French border — stony paths, dense vegetation, and a quiet that contrasts with the sanctuary's modest but clearly marked religious architecture. This is a contemplative stop rather than a dramatic one, best appreciated by visitors interested in local religious history and folk tradition.

How do you get to Cova de les Salines?

The cave lies within the municipality of Maçanet de Cabrenys, in the Alt Empordà region, close to the Bassegoda massif. Access follows the same route used to reach the sanctuary, a popular walking destination that combines nature, history, and faith. Given the terrain — a mountain path — sturdy footwear is worth planning for, especially if you intend to continue on toward the higher parts of the Bassegoda massif.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between Cova de les Salines and the Mare de Déu de les Salines sanctuary? They are two distinct but closely linked sites. The cave is a small rock shelter with an altar where, according to legend, an image of the Virgin Mary was discovered. The sanctuary is the built religious structure erected nearby to commemorate that event, located roughly a hundred metres from the cave.

What legend is associated with this place? Local tradition holds that a bull from the Roure farmhouse found an image of the Virgin Mary inside the cave. That discovery is considered the reason the sanctuary was built at this exact spot.

How far back does the devotion at this site go? Documented Marian devotion at Salines dates to 1271, when the Bishop of Girona authorized the construction of a chapel there, referencing numerous miracles attributed to the place.

Is there anything else to see near the cave? Yes — the Font de la Cova spring is nearby, and the same trail continues on to the sanctuary and toward the Bassegoda massif, a popular area for hikers.